Ab diving

Hey Abking- I went checking on some websites about Shelter and the Lost Coast and the scenery took my breath away. I have been waiting a long, long, time to check out the Lost Coast and area around there. Just to be able to see parts of CA that hasn't been F-up by mankind would be a treat; but to be able to dive semi-untouched water... believe me, your invitation is priceless. Not to mention, I checked out some fishing charters and they reported salmon averaging 20-30 lbs and halibut that has a longer season and fric'n 45 lb lings Holy Shit!!! That's almost better than Alaska and a hell of a lot closer. The description of the road over the mountains sounded kind of sketchy (I'm sporting a Honda CRV w/ 140 hp) but I think I could make it. I'd have to do a little planning. Bottom line is I'm  definately interested The only question is timing (getting off work and maybe finding a place to stay up there) Please keep me informed.    -Lee

Lee--the road's not that bad.  I think they warn people due to trailers...  There's a campground 1 minute from the launch, a cheap hotel even closer to the launch, and several moderately priced B&B type places very nearby as well.  I live 1 hour north on 101.  The key is the flat water--this is NOT so-cal or even Bay Area or Sonoma/Mendo where there's always a divable cove with decent water.  If it's over 6-8 foot swell you probably won't get in the water without a minus tide and even when it's flat the viz may be near zero.  That's why there are monster abs!  Feel free to email me.

Abking-when do you think the salmon will get more consistent?  I am mostly into shooting something with my new gun, it has yet to be used and it is killing me!

Lee-The road isn't bad at all, your car will do fine.  It is twisty and steep at times, but unless your towing its no problem.

Sean- I baught a Riffe sz 1 about 7 months ago. I too have yet to kill anything with it (actually without it too!). I might need some tips from you pros before I end up shooting my fin before I nail a fish.

I predict the salmon will get more consistent this Friday!     OK, that's wishful thinking...  Usually the catch for larger fish picks up during the summer--July and August are usually pretty hot.  But I really think that's due to more flat water.  When people could get out in February it was hot for a while.  It was mostly smaller fish--barely legal 20" at times--but there were also some 20#er's caught.  I had two on with one to the yak and I only trolled for an hour.  The next week when I went out with my dad he had one good strike, but that was it.  A couple of Fridays after that "everyone" got fish...  Come on up and I promise you at least a good tour!  (I sound desperate due to too many days without a partner~ )

Newspaper says one boat went out last Friday and got a fish.  Saturday 3 boats went out and got one fish between them.  Sounds spotty...  I'm going anyway, but it also doesn't sound like ideal conditions...  I may just end up going for a beach hike up to Gitchell creek for the jumbo cabezon hunt...

Good luck, I am going to hit my favorites in the morning and try to spear something.  We will eventually fish!

I decided to go Sunday and maybe Monday instead since the swell is dropping to 3-5 feet...  Good luck!